The Making of a Large English-Arabic/Arabic-English Dictionary: the Oxford Arabic Dictionary

The Making of a Large English-Arabic/Arabic-English Dictionary: the Oxford Arabic Dictionary

Abstract

In this presentation, we will illustrate the process of making our brand-new Arabic-English/English-Arabic dictionary, which is due for publication in print and online in August 2014. It is intended for speakers of both English and Arabic. It contains over 26,000 entries on each side, including many up-to-the-minute words and expressions. Collocations and examples are an important feature. The dictionary has been compiled using dictionary writing software that enables editors to work and communicate with one another regardless of their location. It will be available in both print and online. We show the entire process of making an Arabic dictionary, from finding a reliable framework in both languages, to developing a unique online functionality. We show the difficulties lexicographers face when compiling an Arabic dictionary, and the ways in which we dealt with those. In addition, the Oxford Arabic Dictionary has quite a few features that are entirely new to Arabic dictionaries, and we illustrate how we went about developing those.